Discovering Cozumel

Last Updated Feb 20, 2024
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Cozumel was once a secluded, and mostly unknown island in the Mexican Caribbean, ignored even by the tourists staying in nearby Playa del Carmen and Cancún.
On this post, we will tell you what has changed on the island in the last couple of decades.

Nowadays, Cozumel is considered one of the most popular destinations in the State of Quintana Roo; a must visit whiile you are on vacations in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Infografía de Cozumel

Location

Cozumel island is located on the northeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula..

This was the place where Hernan Cortes, the captain that led the Spanish conquest over ancient Mexico, first arrived on February 21st, 1519. It’s located just in front of Playa del Carmen and a bit more than an hour drive from Cancún plus a 45-minute ferry ride.

Cozumel is situated on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world, which makes the island a perfect spot for diving and snorkeling.

Believe it or not, the island has a small international airport and there are direct flights from many US cities.

Many cruise ships also stop at Cozumel, although you won’t get as much time to explore the island as when you get there on your own.

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The Best Season to Visit Cozumel

There’s no bad season to visit Cozumel, although from May to October there can be some powerful storms and even hurricanes around the island. Not that it happens often, but it’s always a possibility so you should see if lower prices (on hotels and flights) and still mostly fabulous weather are worth the risk.

January to April is the high season, meaning the weather is great every single day but there are also crowds of tourists everywhere.

If you’re a party animal yourself and don’t mind company everywhere, this might be perfect time for you to visit Cozumel.

From November to December it gets colder, about 60° F (15° C) at night.
During the day, it’s still beach time, but not sordid hot. Some people love this time.

Some people love this season and always choose it for their vacations in Cozumel.

As you can see, you have to decide for yourself, depending on your personal social, economic, and weather preferences. When would it be better for you to visit Cozumel?


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Things to do in Cozumel

You may always spend the whole day at the white-sand beach and be absolutely happy swimming in the turquoise, crystal clear ocean.

However, if you’d like to do something else apart from working on your perfect tan, here are the options.

Snorkel and Dive

The Mesoamerican Reef waters are famous for their biodiversity and you may never have another opportunity for such close marine encounters.

Buceo

You can choose snorkeling in a shallow reef to enjoy the underwater world or dive deep with professionals guides.

Both of these activities can be done by amateurs. You just have to choose the one that fit your expectations the most.

👉 Learn more about the water and nautical activities in the Riviera Maya.

Stroll around downtown

Once you get to the island, don’t rush into your hotel, or later make sure you have time to explore the main square area of the island's capital, San Miguel de Cozumel.

There are many bars and restaurants to sit, relax and observe the local slow life.

Centro de Cozumel

We highly recommend Woody’s bar for its quaint, vernacular architecture, laid-back life music, great service, and good food.

Tip
Odigoo Tip:

If you’re lucky, you’ll see an elderly couple with an ice-cream mobile stand. You have to try them, they are absolutely delicious. 😍 😋

Visit Laguna Chankanaab and the National Marine Park

La Laguna Chankanaab is a small, freshwater lake, south of Cozumel’s capital, located in the National Marine Park.

It’s a wonderful place to snorkel and swim without the salty feel. There’s an adventure park built around the laguna, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, that your kids will love.

It has sea lion shows and a dolphin swim experience, and you may also see crocodiles. Among the main attractions in this park, you'll find:

  • > Sea lion shows
  • > A dolphin swim experience 🐬
  • > Watching crocodriles 🐊

For adrenaline enthusiasts there are activities such as:

  • > Ziplines y
  • > Climbing to the top of trees
Laguna Chankanaab

You’ll also love visiting an authentic Mayan home where you may try some local delicacies.

👉 Lear more about the Chankanaab Park.

Visit Cozumel Mayan Sites

There are more than 30 Mayan sites on the island that have been discovered till now. Some of them are hidden in the jungle, others can be found next to the coast. San Gervasio is one of the most important ones with the Temple of Ix-chel, which was the spiritual center for the island since the 9th century.

Odigoo Tip: You can't miss the ruins of Santa Rita, Santa Pilar and Castillo Real either.
To discover all mayan ruins in Cozumel click here.

Book Your Holiday in Cozumel

There are many other places and attractions on this small island. You’ll definitely need more than a day to fully explore and enjoy its beauty. Don’t wait too long and book your dream holiday in Cozumel.

Want to learn more about Cancun and the Riviera Maya?
Check out our related articles! 👉 👉 👉


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